§ 15–103
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Agric. § 15-103 (2026)
Title 15. Research Facilities That Use Dogs or Cats
Subtitle 1
§ 15–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to medical research.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a testing facility may not use a traditional animal test method if the agency responsible for regulating the specific product or activity for which a test method is being used has:
(i)
Approved an alternative test method; or
(ii)
Made available to or granted the testing facility a waiver from using a traditional animal test method.
(2)
If there is no alternative test method available or waiver made available or granted, a testing facility may use a traditional animal test method if the testing facility uses the fewest number of animals possible and minimizes the level of pain, suffering, and stress of an animal used for testing.
(3)
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit:
(i)
The use of a traditional animal test method to comply with federal or State requirements if the appropriate federal or State agency has approved the use of an alternative test method but determined that the alternative test method does not ensure the health or safety of the public or the environment; or
(ii)
The continued use of a traditional animal test method that:
(1)
Was initiated:
(A)
Before October 1, 2026; or
(B)
Within 180 days after October 1, 2026, following agency approval of an alternative test method or strategy; and
(2)
Is used only to complete the test for which it was started.